Illinois: Dem Files Bills to Ban 'Assault Weapons,' Search Gin Owners' Social Media

Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly are moving forward with proposals that would fundamentally change gun laws in the Land of Lincoln.

State Sen. Julie A. Morrison’s SB 107 would ban semi-automatic rifles and shotguns with a detachable magazine if the gun has one or more cosmetic features such as a muzzle brake, pistol grip or adjustable stock. Pistols with a similar list of features would be targeted as well. While exemptions are in place for law enforcement, grandfathering of existing firearms will only be allowed if they are registered with authorities, with a corresponding $25 fee.

Morrison said in a statement that, while a nationwide “assault weapon” ban was preferable, she and other like-minded Illinois lawmakers feel the time is right for them to act on their own.

State and local gun rights groups slam the proposal, saying the firearms regulated “are commonly owned by law-abiding citizens for various purposes such as self-defense, competitive shooting, recreational shooting, and hunting.”